Powell River

Situated along the magnificent Malaspina Strait, 135km (84m) northwest of Vancouver, Powell River is surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. Low rainfall and a moderate year round climate provides some of the best year-round outdoor adventure in Canada. Charter boats with captains experienced in finding the fishing hot spots are plentiful, as are guides for eco-excursions. You'll also find numerous holistic health practitioners offering everything from acupuncture and yoga to golfing and Qi Gong. Powell River's rich First Nation's heritage and the creativity of its residents are clearly visible in the many local shops. In recognition of a burgeoning cultural climate, Powell River was named a cultural capital of Canada for 2004.

Attractions/Activities

• Provincial Parks - The Powell River region has 3 provincial parks located in spectacular second growth forests at Saltery Bay, Inland Lake and Okeover Arm. Facilities have been designed for all to use, enabling disabled individuals easy access to hiking trails, camping, diving and swimming in crystal clear waters.



• Saltery Bay - The northern terminal for ferry traffic between Earl's Cove and the Upper Sunshine Coast, Saltery Bay is the launching point to some of the most pristine marine wilderness on the West Coast..



• Saltery Bay Provincial Park - Saltery Bay Provincial Park is among the most beautiful waterfronts in the BC parks system. Its shores are not only the place to see killer whales, seals and sea lions, they're also a hot destination for scuba divers. Mermaid Cove is where Canada's first underwater statue, an exquisite three metre (10 ft) tall bronze mermaid, known as the Emerald Princess, sits submerged 20 m (65 ft) beneath the surface, marking one of the many great scuba-diving spots along the coast. The oceanside ramp provides easy access for disabled divers and swimmers.



• Stillwater - In the community of Stillwater, you'll find it a quiet place to wind away the sunny days at a waterfront B&B before you head off on your canoeing adventure on the Powell Forest Canoe Route.



• Powell Forest Canoe Route - For kayak and canoe enthusiasts, the 90km (56m) 8 lake Powell Forest Canoe Route weaves its way through well-maintained portages, protected waterways and magnificent forest reserves. The route traverses a variety of terrain ranging from deciduous covered lowlands to rugged mountain peaks surrounding fjord-like lakes.



• Lang Bay - Long stretches of sandy beaches and easy access to outstanding freshwater fishing at over 40 lakes make this area you'll be sure to remember.



• Lang Creek Spawning Channel - Along Hwy 101 to Powell River, the Lang Creek Spawning Channel offers close-up views of pink, chum, coho and chinook salmon as they move through the channel towards their spawning grounds. Waterfowl and bald eagles add to the viewing experience and to understanding the cycle of life in the wilderness.



• Westview - The "Heart" of Powell River is located in Westview, the Sunshine Coast's largest community, where you'll find bustling streets of shops, galleries and all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay. Ocean views are the norm and you'll be surprised by the vast array of ethnic restaurants and accommodations to please anyone's taste. Located at the northwest end of Westview is Willingdon Beach Municipal Park and Campground. This large park divides the community from the Townsite with lush green forests interlaced with hiking trails.



• Powell River Museums- The Powell River Historical Museum and Archives traces the region's history and development from its first settlers, the Sliammon First Nation. Artifacts include stone weapons, cooking utensils and intricately woven baskets in addition to the many artifacts from the 19th and 20th century showing the history of the community's development to modern times. The Powell River Forestry Museum showcases the equipment and history of the town's early logging era with artifacts displayed along the Willingdon Beach Trail.



• Powell River Historic Townsite - One of the few places in Canada designated a National Historic District, this town-site is a remarkably preserved example of a single-industry, company-built town from the early 20th century. Built as a garden community with some 400 Westcoast Craftsman style homes, and 30 institutional and commercial structures dating between 1910 and 1930, creating an enthralling tour of a unique heritage. The district and its gardens are being lovingly restored to their former glory. Self-guided and guided tours are available.



• The Hulks - A very unusual site lies off the shores of the Historic Townsite. A breakwater of 10 cement ships surrounds the harbour and protects the Paper Mill from the south-east and the north westerly winds. Built from Second World War merchant marine vessels it is a one of a kind sight to see.



• Cranberry Lake - This small community has some very unique features. Cradled between Powell and Cranberry Lakes, it offers easy access to anyone looking for outdoor adventure. Hike up Valentine Mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of the region and Vancouver Island, or enjoy a day the beach at Mowat or Haywire Bay.



• Inland Lake Provincial Park and Trail Systems - Located just north of Cranberry Lake, Inland Lake offers a 13km (8m) wheelchair accessible trail encircling the lake, featuring campsites, specially equipped shelters and docks reflecting the community's commitment to have its natural beauty accessible to all.



• Dive Capital of Canada - Known as the "Dive Capital of Canada", Powell River's matchless geographical features and mild water temperatures attract divers from around the world. There are more than 100 regional dive sites in the area promising a wealth of marine life, including unusually large octopi and wolf eels, as well as reefs, underwater caves and sunken vessels and a chance to spot a "Mermaid" at Saltery Bay.



• Festivals - Attracting an array of international participants, The Kathaumixw Choral Festival is an exotic, multicultural choral celebration involving the boys and youth choirs from over 16 countries. Together, they create music and dancing that echoes through the majestic Coast Mountains. The festival is a biennial event which takes place on even years (e.g. 2004, 2006, 2008, etc). Less global in nature, but by no means less fun, is the annual Powell River Blackberry Festival. This weeklong festival occurs during the third week of August and combines games, cooking contests, and street entertainment with a lively community spirit. For a complete list of events in Powell River contact the local Visitor Info Centre.



• Texada Island - Discovered by Spanish explorers in 1791, it was another 85 years before development of Texada's rich mineral assets - iron, gold, and copper - would create a boomtown that claimed the only opera house north of San Francisco. The vibrant economy quickly ousted the white whalers who rendered whale fat at Blubber Bay. Today, the island's wealth lies in the richest limestone quarries in the Pacific Northwest, as well as its beauty and its outdoor recreational opportunities. Many of the island's 1,200 residents commute to Powell River, via the 25-minute ferry ride. If you visit, be sure to look for Texada's 'flower rocks'. They are unique to the island, and are made into eye-catching jewelry.



• Sliammon - The Coast Salish village of Sliammon is located along Highway 101, north of Powell River. For thousands of years the people of Sliammon have made the Sunshine Coast their home and settled in this location early in the 20th century. Coast Salish Cultural tours, and tours of the local salmon hatchery can be arranged by request.



• Lund - At the north end of Hwy 101, 20 minutes north of Powell River, is the historic fishing village of Lund. Founded by the Thulin brothers in 1889, its Swedish heritage is still visible in the distinctive charm of the Lund Hotel. Known for its abundance of fish, crab, clams and oysters, the tiny township offers a boardwalk, craft shops, cafés, and restaurants overlooking the harbour. Lund is known as the gateway to Desolation Sound and the Lund water taxi makes regular trips to outlying islands.



• Sunshine Coast Trail - Beginning at Sarah Point near Lund, this 180km (112m) hiking trail leads through old growth forests and alpine meadows to Saltery Bay, 31km (19m) south of Powell River. With its exceptional ocean and lake vistas, waterfalls and creeks, the Sunshine Coast Trail is a good alternative to the West Coast Trail, and although not as grueling, hikers doing the entire stretch should be experienced and well-equipped. Camping spots along the way are free. For recreational hikers, numerous access points allow for day trips of between 2km (1.25m) of easy walking to 36km (22m) of advanced hiking. There's also a 13km (8m) long wheelchair accessible loop around the lakeshore.



• Savary Island - A 12 minute trip aboard a Lund water taxi will bring you to paradise. Savary Island's warm waters, white sand beaches and rolling dunes are hard to resist and have earned the island the nickname "the South Pacific of the North". Ashore, the flower-filled meadows, lush vegetation and groves of cedar and craggy arbutus are a delight to stroll. Keep an eye open for sea lions chilling out on the rocks nearby.



• Copeland Islands Marine Park - North of Lund, accessible only by boat, canoe or kayak, Copeland Islands Marine Park is known as "Ragged Islands" because of its undeveloped, magnificent beauty. It is also a popular wilderness campsite and anchorage for touring private and charter boats.



• Desolation Sound Marine Park - At the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel, BC's largest (and most popular) marine park has more than 60 km (37m) of shoreline, several offshore islands, numerous protected bays and gently rising uplands containing lakes, waterways and waterfalls. The park's warm waters are lovely for swimming and scuba diving, while the forested upland offers a shady refuge of trails and hidden lakes. As access to Desolation Sound is available only by water or air, an ideal way to experience the serenity of Desolation Sound is by sea kayak. Safe moorage can be found at Prideaux Haven, Tenedos Bay and Grace Harbour. Seasonal camping is available at Dinner Rock Forest Recreation Site, Okeover Provincial Park, or at private facilities in the area.

See:

Tourism Powell River

111-4871 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 5P4
Telephone: 604-485-4000
Website: http://www.discoverpowellriver.com